Group Therapy

Each one of us is part of a group at any given time. We
often see ourselves in relation to our friendship, school, work or family group. As individuals we often seek a similar position within different groups, for example, being a central or peripheral member of groups. Therapeutic work in a group setting can, therefore, help us negotiate groups and relationships within society.

For a child, their
first experience of a group is their family and from this they move out into
other groups including nursery, school and friendship groups. Sometimes negotiating these group
relationships can present particular challenges for the child or young person.

Which children/young
people would benefit from attending a therapeutic group?

Children who are impeded by their inability to manage larger groups. This may lead, for
example, when these leads to an inability to attend school (school refusal).

Children and young people who are having difficulty
negotiating the changes of adolescence and the transition from
childhood to adulthood.

Children who have difficulties within their peer-group, for
example, victims or perpetrators of bullying or those who are withdrawn and who
tend to avoid interaction with others.

Those where emotional isolation is a theme.

Those with poor self-image. This can be mediated through
feed-back from facilitators and other group members.

Children and young people with mood disorders such as depression
as well as identity issues and anxiety.

Different groups we
can offer

Group psychotherapy including group art psychotherapy. This can
provide an opportunity for experiencing a sense of belonging which can have an
impact on other settings such as home or school. An important part of this can
be an opportunity for feedback from group members and facilitators.

Some group members can provide a ‘voice’ for others and
common themes can emerge. The Group members have the
opportunity for individual and group experience within a session. In art psychotherapy groups the use of art materials can aid the sense of sharing a physical space and facilitate non-verbal interaction.

Therapeutic groups within an already existing group setting, for example a school
or children’s home. Such groups may work to develop the following: co-operation, mutual respect, collaboration,
interaction, sharing of space and the effect of individual members on the group
as a whole. We can offer help with setting up such groups, for example within a
school; these groups can then continue with regular input/consultation.

Psycho-educational groups
– these groups could relate to specific difficulties such as anxiety, school
refusal or bullying.

Groups for
professionals

Consultation groups -
for agencies who require facilitated reflective practice groups relating to
their work with a focus on emotional well-being/ mental health issues